FORMER conjoined twins Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf will be adding to the double delight of Sligo's Twins Festival this year as the special guests of honour.

The brave Cork twins, who were separated during a marathon operation in London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, will be among more than 100 sets of twins at the twinfest in Keash, Ballymote, on Saturday, August 20.

Mother Angie said: "We are really looking forward to the day. The boys are doing wonderful. They are determined to learn to walk now and while it will be a long process, they have a fighting spirit.

"They are cheeky boys now and are really getting into that toddler age. They will be fascinated to see so many other twins."

The festival, now in its second year, helps to raise money for charity. Donations will be made to the Cork twins' Little Fighters Fund.

Our picture by James Connolly shows twins Charlie and Ben King who are looking forward to the twinfest. For more information log on to www.twinfest.ie